The Must-See Games This International Break 12/10

Friday brings with it some huge 2014 World Cup qualifiers on the road to Brazil including crucial matches in Buenos Aires, Moscow, Belgrade and Dublin.

Sports Pundit’s Game of FridayArgentina v UruguaySouth American World Cup qualifiers, 2am (CET)

These two South American foes resume their rivalry in World Cup qualifying on Friday in Buenos Aires with Lionel Messi’s side looking to build on their lead in the standings against the 2011 Copa America winners. Uruguay are currently down in fourth in qualifying, but are only two points behind the Argentines after seven games. Sergio Aguero is back after injury for Albiceleste, while Uruguay are without Diego Perez (injury) and Alvaro Pereira (suspension).

Fabio Capello’s Russia take on the 2012 European Championships semifinalists in Moscow in a vital game in Group F. These two sides are expected to battle for top spot in the group and automatic qualification to the World Cup, having both won their opening two games comfortably. Cristiano Ronaldo should be fit to play, while look out for Alexander Kokorin from Russia.

There’s all sorts of talk about the Belgian national team given the number of star players popping up around Europe at top clubs who hail from the country. The two sides are the hot favourites in Group A and have four points each so far, after a 1-1 draw in Brussels last month. Eden Hazard will lead the way for Marc Wilmots’ side.

So far so good for both of these nations with 100 per cent records, but that’ll come to an end for one of them at least on Friday when they clash in a crucial Group C encounter. Both these sides made Euro 2012, along with Sweden and Austria who are also in the group so every point will be vital. The Irish are expected to deploy extra numbers in midfield for this clash in Dublin. The last time they met was at Croke Park in Dublin and it ended scoreless.